### Major Airlines Forge New Partnership to Boost Connectivity Between India, Europe, and North America

In a significant move to enhance global travel, leading airlines IndiGo, Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic have announced plans to establish an extensive partnership aimed at linking the rapidly developing Indian market with North America and Europe. This partnership, which marks a new era in international aviation, was solidified with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

The collaboration stands to benefit from IndiGo's robust domestic network within India, which will be complemented by Delta's prowess in North America, the comprehensive reach of Air France-KLM across Europe and North America, and Virgin Atlantic's established routes in the U.K. and transatlantic sectors. This alliance aims to provide travelers with expanded access, more seamless journeys, and a consistent travel experience across continents.

Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, expressed that the collaboration is an essential step in the airline's journey to becoming a global operator by 2030. Elbers highlighted the partnership as an opportunity to achieve commercial synergies, operational excellence, and innovative practices. He announced that IndiGo would commence long-haul expansion from this summer, leveraging this partnership to offer improved connectivity to Europe and North America.

Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, emphasized the importance of the agreement in ensuring travel remains connected and inclusive. He announced Delta's plans to restart its direct services from the U.S. to India, anticipating that the agreement will make travel more convenient and reliable for their customers.

The CEO of Air France-KLM, Benjamin Smith, underlined India's strategic importance to the airline, noting their long-standing presence in the market. He looked forward to the enhanced connectivity and the new opportunities this partnership would bring for IndiGo customers.

Echoing these sentiments, Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, pointed out that as IndiGo embarks on long-haul operations, the partnership would significantly improve travel experiences by offering greater connectivity and optimized flight schedules.

IndiGo’s partnerships with Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic, which began in 2022, have already allowed their customers access to over 30 destinations within India. The new agreement with Delta further strengthens these offerings, allowing IndiGo travelers to connect to Delta's extensive transatlantic network.

KLM’s new route from Amsterdam to Hyderabad, scheduled for launch in September 2025, presents further cooperative opportunities with IndiGo, with Air France-KLM planning to extend their network to 24 additional destinations beyond Hyderabad.

Moreover, IndiGo’s long-term fleet expansion plans, including the addition of 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, are set to further enhance collaboration and connectivity with its international partners.

In the meantime, Delta is planning to resume its services to India with nonstop flights from Atlanta to Delhi, subject to regulatory approvals.

This partnership lays the groundwork for deeper collaborative efforts, encompassing various areas such as network planning, loyalty programs, cargo services, and sales. This strategic alliance aims to set new standards for connectivity, convenience, and cooperation in global aviation.